Day Trips Geoje

Another beautiful day on Geoje, South Korea and you’re wondering what is there to do.  Gather your friends and lets do some Day Trips Geoje.  Find someone with a car and navigation system preferably one that speaks English and hit the road.  Don’t worry about the, “voice in the box” (your navigation system).  She will be doing lots of recalculating but go ahead and go for the adventure.

History of Geoje

Geoje the city known as “treating others with great kindness”, is located on the Southeastern tip of Korean peninsula.  Comprised of 10 inhabited and 64 inhabited islands and is Korea’s second largest island.  There are two shipyards located here, Daewoo and Samsung which bring in lots of expats from all over the world.  Experience the four seasons here with the plentiful green plants, wild flowers, endless trees, and miles of coastline on the island.  Make a new friend, grab a map of Geoje and start your Day Trips Geoje Adventure.

Day Trips Geoje

1.  Windy Hill

Windy Hill is located in Nambu-myeon, on the north side of the village of Dojangpo.  See the scenic vistas and wonderful ocean views.  TV dramas and a movie have been filmed here.   Can’t drive directly out to the point so look for a place to park and walk in.  Hang on to your hat here.  Address: 14-47 san, galgot-ri, Nambu-myeon.

2.  Oedo Botania

Oedo Botania is located on an island off the coast accessed by a sightseeing cruise.  There are exotic buildings along with manicured landscapes and over 740 plant varieties including some rare fauna.  Go early avoid the crowds and buy a round trip ticket to Oedo from Janseungpo.  Note the return time of your ticket back don’t want to miss your only boat back.   Wear your walking shoes lots of hills to maneuver.

3.  Beaches

Follow the coastline and see beautiful beaches between some saw tooth coastlines.  There is Gujora Beach with its soft sand and gentle sloping shore.  Hakdong Black Pearl Pebble beach covered with black pebbles resembling black pearls.  Wahyeon Sand Beach with its fine covered sand, clear water, and small waves. Then Myeongsa Beach named for its clear water and fine sand.  Also Deokpo Beach located within walking distance from Okpo.  Mentioned just a few of the many beaches here on Geoje and a place where the locals come to visit.  Don’t expect huge waves hitting the beaches and you might want to cover up.

4.  11 Famous Mountains

Geoje is the island of many mountains and great hiking trails.  Get one with nature and check out my blog on the 11 Famous Mountains.

5.   Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park

The park is located in Okpo-dong.  Has an area of 109.4 square kilometers that commemorates the first naval victory of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s.  Nice views from the park with a visit lasting around one hour.  There the Hyochung Shrine, Memorial Altar, Exhibition Hall, and an outdoor scene in the park.  Nominal fee required for admittance.

6.  Historic Park of Geojedo P.O.W. Camp

A POW camp that was established in 1950 when the Korean War broke out and put into operation located in Gohyeon.  Visit this historical site, view the life and times of the camp and see the historic materials including photos, and documents.  Plan to pay for parking and entrance into the park.  Expect to walk up some stairs and smaller hills.

7.  Janseungpo Port

Located at the east side of Geoje and is a high power port.  Here you can catch the ferry to Oedo or Camellia Island.  Close by one can take a hike to the Lighthouse on Jangii Rock, or a walk along the boardwalk high on the cliffs.

8.  Geoje Art Center

Overlooks the whole of Janseungpo Port and provides culture and arts to the people. (055)680-1000

9.   Birthplace of Former President Kim Young Sam

Located in Daegye Village in the area of Oepo-ri in Jangmok-myeon the place where Korean’s 14^th president was born and raised.  Located in a tiny beautiful fishing village one can see the Kim Young-sam Presidential Museum.  He participated in the fight for his country’s democracy against military dictatorship for 40 years.  He also established the civilian government in 1993.  Location:  1371, Oepo-ri, Jangmok-myeon. (Tele.639-8290)

10.   Geoje Natural Art Land

Located in the neighboring Dongbu Reservoir in Dongbu-myeon that is an area of 16.5 square km.  It features and outside Bonsai garden, suseok park for viewing of beautiful stones, orchid greenhouse, woodcraft Galley and an exhibit of antiquities and old artifacts.  Small fee required for entrance and don’t forget to take a picture next to one of the beautiful stone statutes that look just like you inside.  Try the paddle boats across the road on the reservoir for a family adventure. Location: 452, Gucheon-ri, Dongbu-myeon.   (055)633-0002

11.   Geoje Natural Recreation Forest

Take a walk through the forest and get “forest bathed” as the locals call it.  The breathing in of natural compounds released by the trees that when comes in contact with the skin, detoxifying the body and soul and produces calmness.  Enjoy the many hiking trails, walking paths, campsites and log cabins.   Location:  Gucheon-ri, San 103, Dongbu-myeon. (055)639-8115-8117.

12.  Geoje Museum

Geoje Museum is Located 2 km south of the site where the Battle of Okpo took place.  The Museum presents an overview of the history of Geoje Island over time.  Location: 1565, Okpo-2 dong  (055)687-6790.

13.   Geoje Folk Museum

A private collection of 5,300 folk artifacts and relics, and some 130 pieces of artwork displayed.  Location:  390 Myeongdong-ri, Yeoncho-myeon (055)637-3722

14.   Sanbangsan Biweon

This secret garden is located below Mt. Sanbangsan that’s a paradise of plants, wildflowers, bonsai’s and rare flora.  Spend an afternoon and take the footpath through these gardens and feel the deep peace.  Small entry fee required.  (055)633-1221

15.  Sculpture Park (Neungpo Yangjiam)

Located in Neungpo-dong which most of us here say it’s in Janseungpo.  Open air culture space that has beautiful large art sculptures in metal.  Take a walk among the larger than life sculptures plus see the beautiful ocean views.  Location: 472-2 Neupong-dong

Other

Listed are just a few of the Day Trips Geoje that you can do while here on Geoje Island.  Get out of your comfort zone, embrace the culture, meet new people and visit some of these attractions.  I have tried to include some links to some English information sites for most of the attractions.  Please note that the information on these sites is not always updated.  Some of the entrance fees may have increased, they are closed on different days, or their hours of changed.

To find your Day Trips Geoje locations, use you navigation system and put their phone number or you may be able to put in the name.  Remember it’s not always easy to find the attractions in another country where there are few locals that speak English that’s why this is called an adventure.   Be patient, take a deep breath, pack a lunch and enjoy.  For more travel ideas in Korea visit 1AdventureTraveler

Other Help information from Visit Korea,  Geoje Tourist Book.